BALLARAT Regional Soccer Facility is expected to be delivered in time for the Asian Cup pre-competition camp inspections in April next year. Ballarat City Council said yesterday works on the facility were on track to meet deadline. Stage two works are now under way, with completion of the sewer relocation works conducted by contractor Pipecon and works on the main pitch and synthetic pitch expected to be finished in February by Turf One. Tenders are expected to be called by next month for construction of building and grandstand seating. In June, then prime minister Julia Gillard visited the facility to announce $2.675 million in federal funding for the project. Ballarat City Council matched government funding in the 2013-2014 council budget for the $5.3 million facility. Ground speed has increased for a campaign to bring an Asian soccer nation to Ballarat as part of the 2015 Asian Cup tournament. ‘Back the Bid’ chairman Duncan Smith said it was an exciting project for the region. “It’s on track,” Smith said. “The council are going through the process of working it all out, putting all the plans in place and we are confident the council is going to have it on time and on budget. “Now we have the opportunity to host an Asian Cup team, an opportunity for A-League matches, international teams and a Socceroo’s training facility.” Smith said when completed, the facility would cater for 2000 seated spectators and spectator viewing embankments for 4000. “There is no reason why we can’t bring in temporary stands to accommodate 10,000 or 12,000 spectators,” he said. Smith remains optimistic that the facility will draw A-League matches and host international teams. “It would be fantastic to have an official A-League match January 2015,” he said. david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au

Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility works on track for 2015 Asian Cup

BALLARAT Regional Soccer Facility is expected to be delivered in time for the Asian Cup pre-competition camp inspections in April next year.

Ballarat City Council said yesterday works on the facility were on track to meet deadline.

Stage two works are now under way, with completion of the sewer relocation works conducted by contractor Pipecon and works on the main pitch and synthetic pitch expected to be finished in February by Turf One.

Tenders are expected to be called by next month for construction of building and grandstand seating.

In June, then prime minister Julia Gillard visited the facility to announce $2.675 million in federal funding for the project.

Ballarat City Council matched government funding in the 2013-2014 council budget for the $5.3 million facility.

Ground speed has increased for a campaign to bring an Asian soccer nation to Ballarat as part of the 2015 Asian Cup tournament.

‘Back the Bid’ chairman Duncan Smith said it was an exciting project for the region.

“It’s on track,” Smith said. “The council are going through the process of working it all out, putting all the plans in place and we are confident the council is going to have it on time and on budget.

“Now we have the opportunity to host an Asian Cup team, an opportunity for A-League matches, international teams and a Socceroo’s training facility.”

Smith said when completed, the facility would cater for 2000 seated spectators and spectator viewing embankments for 4000.

“There is no reason why we can’t bring in temporary stands to accommodate 10,000 or 12,000 spectators,” he said.

Smith remains optimistic that the facility will draw A-League matches and host international teams.

“It would be fantastic to have an official A-League match January 2015,” he said.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au

PROGRESS: Work at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility is on schedule to be completed in time for the Asian Cup pre-competition camp inspections in April next year. PICTURES: KATE HEALY